Midsize car buyers looking for a wide range of models and options in a 4-door sedan or four-door hatchback have discovered the Chevrolet Malibu. The 2007 sedan comes in LS, LT, LTZ and SS versions and the '07 Maxx hatchback, which somewhat looks like a wagon, can be had in all but the LS. An Ecotec 2.2-liter 4-cylinder is standard on the LS and LT sedans, while a 3.5-liter V-6, with new variable valve timing is optional on the LT sedan and standard on the LT Maxx and LTZ models. Choose an SS and you get the 3.9-liter V-6, also with variable valve timing. All come with 4-speed Hydramatic transmissions. New on the LS and LT are front and rear side-impact airbags. Also available on OnStar equipped Malibus is a new turn-by-turn navigation system. For those looking beyond the 2007 Malibu, a preview of the redesigned 2008 model is expected to be on display at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show.

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There are only a few upgrades to the 2007 Chevrolet Kodiak line of medium-duty trucks. Available on the ‘07 4x4 C4500 and C5500 regular cab models, is a new 35-gallon diesel fuel tank placed under-cab on the driver. Additional ‘07 improvements for the Kodiak lineup include new, 2-person passenger seat; LED roof marker lights available on all models; Gramag air suspension seats for driver and front passenger, available on all models; revised rear cab mounts; and green fuel caps for diesel engines to help ensure drivers use the correct fuel at the pump. The Kodiak C4500 is now available as a 4x4 Regular Cab and Crew Cab, which carries up to 6-adults comfortably. Other model sections include the tough Kodiak C5500, C6500, C7500, C8500 series, each offering great maneuverability, and are efficient size for use as a tanker, high cube, or a dump truck. All feature a big windshield and sloped hood for great visibility. There is a good list of both V-8 gasoline and turbo diesel engines, and new vocational Allison automatic transmissions.

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After revising its standard size sedan market entry, the Impala, Chevrolet is enhancing the product. It’s most popular car gets Active Fuel Management for the 3.9-liter V-6 in LT and LTZ models, which shuts off cylinders when they are not needed. It is the first such application by General Motors in a V-6 engine. A tire monitor system is now standard and the XM Satellite Radio is standard on the top-line SS and available on the other versions. The SS continues to feature the 303 horsepower, 5.3-liter V-8 and gets new leather appointed seating. New to the OnStar system is the availability of Turn-by-Turn navigation. Impalas have proved popular with families, fleet buyers and law enforcement agencies. For the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup racing season, it has been announced that for some races, an Impala-inspired body will replace the Monte Carlo, long a staple of the circuit.

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Chevy’s HHR compact utility vehicle evolves for 2008 to offer more horsepower and new color choices. The HHR comes well equipped from the factory in two models: LS and LT, as well as two packages – 1LT and 2LT. Increased performance arises from the 2.2-liter and 2.4-liter Ecotec engines. The 2.2L is rated at 149 horsepower and 152 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2.4L pumps-up 175 horses and 165 lb.-ft. of torque. Heritage styling retains the high-roof, 4-door body, with flared fenders and a one-piece, stamped metal hood - all reminiscent of the 1949 Bowtie Suburban. New exterior colors for ’07 are Imperial Blue and Golden Teal Metallic, while Daytona Blue has been retired. Tasteful cabin hauls up to 5-occupants, and when its seatbacks are folded flat, there is 57.7 cubic feet of storage room and items up to 8-feet long. Factory wheels include 16-inch cast aluminum hubs on the 1LT, and 17-inchers on the 2LT.

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Chevrolet full-size Express Conversion Van is available with two wheelbase lengths: regular length (135 inches) and extended length (155 in.). The standard engine on the Express Conversion Van 1500 model is the Vortec 5.3-liter V-8, that delivers 295 horsepower and 335-pound-feet of torque. Environmentally conscious customers may order a FlexFuel E85 version of the 5.3-liter that offers the same horsepower and torque as its gasoline counterpart, while running on E85 ethanol fuel or a mixture of E85 and gasoline. The Vortec 6.0-liter V-8 powers the Express Conversion Van G2500 extended wheelbase models. It delivers 300 horsepower and 360 lb.-ft. of torque. Each engine connects to a version of the 4-speed Hydra-Matic gearbox. Interiors can be designed for 7 and 9-passenger seating, and confidence behind the wheel is enhanced with the standard 4-wheel antilock disc brake system with Hydroboost that provides increased stopping power.

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For 2007, Chevy makes numerous safety, ride and convenience enhancements to the Equinox sport utility vehicle. Revised front and rear fascias, as well as a new rear spoiler and new wheel designs, distinguish ’07 models. The 5-passenger Equinox is one of the few compact SUVs equipped with a standard V-6 engine. This durable overhead valve 3.4-liter engine produces 185-horsepower, and is coupled to an electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission. The ’07 Equinox is available as front- or on demand all-wheel drive. In the area of safety, the Equinox performance package includes StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, stock four-wheel disc brakes, and tire pressure-monitoring system. Equinox’s standard Multiflex sliding rear seat can be moved nearly 8-inches fore or aft, and with seatbacks folded, offers 67.1 cubic feet of cargo space. Freshly designed interior includes a new gauge cluster, instrument panel center stack, shifter knob, and steering wheel

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Aggressive and elegant, expressive and sophisticated is how people are describing the thoroughly new and contemporary 2008 Cadillac CTS luxury sedan. On the exterior, there’s no mistaking the 5-passenger midsize sedan’s stronger stance, and the faster profile with more rake, coupled with surfaces that add elegance and grace. The vertically shaped headlights and taillights on the ’08 CTS are signature Cadillac characteristics. Buyers have the choice of standard-equipped rear-wheel and optional all-wheel drive. The CTS comes with a 2-inch wider track as a result of the all-wheel-drive configuration. Three V-6 engines are available, including the 210 horsepower, 2.8-liter, the 3.6-liter with 258 ponies, and 300 horsepower, 3.6-liter with variable valve timing. Thinking young, Cadillac offers a fully synchronized 6-speed manual with single overdrive on the CTS, as well as 6-speed automatic. Dramatically different from the original, the interior design is decidedly more upscale, with added ornamentation, luxury and attention to detail.

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The 2007 Cadillac XLR retractable hardtop roadster is propelled via a 320 horsepower, 4.6-liter Northstar V-8 with variable valve timing (VVT). Standard transmission on the rear-wheel drive Caddy is a five-speed automatic. For 2007, two entirely new special-edition XLR models are offered, the XLR Platinum and Passion Red. XLR Platinum is equipped with Liquid Amethyst or Raven Black exterior paint; a chrome grille; 18-inch 15-spoke polished wheels; special wood and metal accents in the two-seat cabin. The Passion Red Special Edition XLR also has a chrome grille, 18-inch chrome wheels and numbered sill plate. Cadillac will manufacture 200 units of this 2007-only special model. Superior performance is offered in the 440 horsepower XLR-V, complete with a Northstar V-8 SC (supercharged) engine and six-speed automatic transmission. With 414 lb.-ft. of torque, the XLR-V is able to zoom from 0-to-60 (mph) in less than five seconds. The XLR-V is distinguished by polished wire mesh upper and lower front grilles, and sculpted hood that makes room for the supercharger.

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Audi has incorporated the name and the genes of the 5-time Le Mans winner, the Audi R8, into a spectacular production 2-seat version. As the 1st Audi mid-engined sports car, the 2008 Audi R8 features a 420 horsepower, 4.2-liter V8 FSI engine, quattro permanent all-wheel drive, aluminum body and Audi Space Frame. The Audi R8 sits wide and low on the road, the strongly accentuated rear end appearing to flex its muscles like a sprinter ready for the off. Behind the doors, a large-surface paint finished 'sideblade' air deflector sweeps between the wheel arch and the roof section, delivering air for the V8 to breathe as well as for cooling. An automatically extending rear spoiler is deployed to assist the R8 in using the wind. Estimated top speed is up to 187 mph, and blast from 0-to-62 mph time of 4.6 seconds. The totally driver-oriented cockpit of the R8 is pushed far forward. Behind the cabin, is the V8, visible both through the large, shield-shaped rear window and from inside the car.

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BMW AG CEO Norbert Reithofer said in a speech prior to the Geneva Auto Show. "Next year we are going to offer our diesel vehicles in the U.S. -- another step in protecting the environment".

According to Automotive News, diesel cars account for a minimal part of the U.S. market but are popular in Europe due to their higher fuel efficiency.

Reithofer also said BMW's cooperation with DaimlerChrysler AG to produce so-called mild hybrids for the premium car segment would likely lead to production in two years' time. "We will achieve production maturity of these (hybrid) components in 2009." He said hybrid hype was subsiding a little. "It has not reflected reality anyway."

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The S models of the new A4 represent Audi’s contribution to the premium midsize segment. Sporting crisp styling, the S4 is available as a 5-passenger sedan, cabriolet or station wagon. All models use the 4.2-liter V-8, which delivers 344 horsepower, 303 lb-ft of torque, and comes with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic with manual-shift capability. The S4 has Quattro permanent 4-wheel drive, is a standard sunroof, 18-inch S4 wheels, and MP3-capable 6-disc changer with a larger screen. Exterior design cues include single frame grille with S-specific grid pattern, bumpers with large air inlets, redesigned rear lights, quad tailpipes, and carbon fiber front and rear spoilers are optional.

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Infiniti’s QX56 sport utility vehicle for 2007 continues its legacy of bold exterior styling, accented by a prominent grille, xenon headlights and LED taillight treatment. Spacious cabin will haul 7-or 8-passengers depending on seating arrangement, and there is 61.2 cu. ft. of cargo room available with rear seatbacks folded down. Classified as a large premium SUV, the QX56 is offered in rear-wheel and 4-wheel drive configuration, and all come equipped with a 5.6-liter DOHC V-8 engine coupled to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Horsepower for the ’07 model increased from 315 to 320, and the torque went from 390 to 393. When properly equipped, the QX56 has a maximum towing capacity of 9,000-pounds.

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Not for the shy or stealth sets, the 2007 Lincoln Navigator is a bold full-sized SUV that puts its chrome grille in your face and never backs off. All new for 2007, the Navigator (first seen at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show) comes in two sizes, regular and L, the latter 14.7 inches longer with 25 additional cubic feet of storage behind the back seats. Either way there is three-row seating with PowerFold taking care of the folding chores. Along those lines is available power folding running boards that extend when the doors open. Under the hood is power of a different sort with a 300 horsepower, 5.4-liter V-8 standard, as is a 6 speed automatic transmission. The number of wheels driven depends on the choice of rear or 4-wheel drive.

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GTM says feedback from the public has led it to turbocharge the Honda Civic Type-R powerplant in its GTM 40TR (track and race) roadster. Now, the Ariel Atom and KTM X-Bow challenger will reportedly do the zero-to-60 hop in 3.5 seconds, compared with the previous incarnation's under four seconds. That's been achieved, they say, by boosting the 2.0-liter powerplant to 300 hp.

Increased Turbo Charged Power and new design for Sporty GTM40TR...more click on heading

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The Grand Prix lineup includes the well-equipped Grand Prix, the sporty Grand Prix GT and the high performance Grand Prix GXP. Base model comes with the 200 horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6, and the GT is fitted with the 3.8-liter V-6 that delivers 260 horses. For top performance, the GXP uses the 303 horsepower, 5.3-liter V-8, with Active Fuel Management. That system regulates between 8- and 4-cylinder operations. All Grand Prix engines come linked with a 4-speed automatic transmission, and the sports sedan offers agile handling. Available on Grand Prix and Grand Prix GT models, is the Special Edition package that includes ground effects package with deep air dam, flared rocker moldings and prominent rear spoiler. Grand Prix 5-seater interiors can accommodate items at long as 9-feet with the trunk closed when the front passenger seat is folded flat, and 57 cu. ft. of cargo with all seats folded down.

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